Board Core Competencies: Audit Committee Oversight (QFE), IPO Readiness & SEC/SOX Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), M&A Due Diligence & Integration, Digital Transformation & ERP Governance

Steven E. Hanson is a seasoned audit and risk executive with more than 30 years of experience advising 20+ public and pre-IPO companies through complex transformations, including IPO readiness, large-scale acquisitions, and enterprise-wide risk modernization. He is recognized for aligning governance, risk, and compliance frameworks with strategic objectives to de-risk operations, enhance EBITDA, and position organizations for scalable growth or successful exits.

Steven’s career spans leadership roles across public accounting, consulting, and corporate environments, beginning with Ernst & Young and evolving into executive-level oversight of internal audit, SOX compliance, and enterprise risk management. He has a proven ability to elevate audit functions from compliance-focused units into strategic partners that provide actionable insight to executive teams and boards.

A recognized leader in IPO readiness and SOX transformation, Steven has implemented and optimized compliance programs that not only reduce deficiencies but also increase external auditor reliance, strengthen financial reporting integrity, and improve investor confidence. His work consistently reframes compliance as a value driver—enhancing governance while reducing operational friction.

Steven brings deep expertise in enterprise risk management (ERM), designing frameworks that embed risk awareness into strategic decision-making. His approach includes enterprise-wide risk assessments, executive-level risk dialogue, and the development of actionable scorecards—enabling organizations to proactively navigate uncertainty and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

He has also played a key role in complex M&A transactions, including multi-billion-dollar acquisitions, where he led due diligence and post-integration risk alignment. His involvement ensures that financial, operational, and compliance risks are addressed early—supporting smoother integrations and stronger post-deal performance.

In digital transformation initiatives, Steven has overseen ERP and financial system implementations that improved data integrity and streamlined operations. These efforts have delivered measurable outcomes, including cost reductions of up to 20% while strengthening internal controls and scalability—directly supporting margin expansion and long-term enterprise value creation.

His cross-industry experience—including technology, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and energy—combined with regional exposure in markets such as Texas and the Midwest, provides boards with valuable perspective on regulatory environments and operational risk across diverse geographies.

Board-Level Value-Add

• Principled Governance: Brings a career-long commitment to transparency, ethical oversight, and strong control environments—critical for maintaining stakeholder trust during IPOs, restructurings, and high-growth phases.
• Risk & Audit Leadership: Deep expertise in audit committee engagement, SOX compliance, and material risk oversight, with a focus on translating technical findings into strategic board insights.
• Complexity Navigation: Experienced in high-stakes environments, including IPO readiness, multi-billion-dollar M&A, and enterprise transformations—providing boards with confidence during periods of disruption.
• Value Creation Mindset: Proven ability to connect risk management initiatives to financial outcomes, including EBITDA improvement, cost optimization, and operational scalability.
• Digital & Systems Oversight: Governance of ERP and financial system transformations to ensure technology investments align with control integrity and business performance.

Steven’s governance experience includes serving as Treasurer on a nonprofit board, where he provided direct oversight of financial stewardship, budgeting, and organizational sustainability—demonstrating hands-on boardroom contribution and fiduciary responsibility.